The Best Places to Spend New Year’s Eve

From sea to shining sea, we’ve rounded up the coolest spots to spend New Year’s Eve 2018.

Best Crowd: The San Francisco Bay

San Francisco’s midnight fireworks are legendary- that’s why more than 200,000 people made the trek to see them last year.

Our fave spots to watch the show? The Ferry Building and the Embarcadero have countless lookout points. Get there before 11:30, and bring a blanket- it gets chilly! Once you’re parked, head south along the Embarcadero until you find the perfect viewing spot.

Don’t want to sit outside? We recommend finding a ticketed event to take the guesswork out of your night. There are many bars and restaurants along the waterline offering special New Year’s menus.

New Year’s Eve festivities can be crowded, and a low key night can be just the ticket. Our recommendation? Take a quick trip to Sacramento, and watch the City of Trees light up with a beautiful fireworks display.

With smaller crowds and an easy-to-navigate downtown area, Sacramento is an easy and fun option for an affordable New Year’s Eve. Head to Old Town, and peek in Evangeline’s for fun costumes and wigs. Buy taffy at one of the famous Old Town candy stores, and dance on the dock by the Tower Bridge.

Don’t miss the fireworks! Get downtown before the show at 9 PM. We’ll be watching from a yacht on the river (and having another party after- you can join us here).

Most Iconic: New York City

Whether you’re a local or from out of town, New York City is an iconic place to spend the New Year. If you want to take in the New Year from Times Square, arrive around 3 PM (yes, you heard us right- 3 PM) for the midnight show.

Don’t want to spend all day waiting for the ball to drop? Grab some blankets and enjoy the fireworks in Prospect Park—Grand Army Plaza being the best viewing point.

While you can always wait on the Brooklyn Bridge for a midnight show, be prepared to battle the masses.

Leave the crowd on land- we’ll be watching the fireworks show from the water with bubbly in hand. Limited space available here.

Ultimate Winter Getaway: Long Beach

For those tired of the winter weather, Long Beach may be the perfect destination for a long New Year’s Eve weekend. Lay on the beach in the sun (we like Mothers Beach), ride the coasters at Knott’s Berry Farm or Adventure City, and catch the huge fireworks show at midnight sponsored by the Queen Mary.

Stay at the park or find a cozy spot to enjoy Marina del Rey’s fireworks shows (Two options: 9 PM and midnight). We’ll be viewing the show on the water, of course- click here if you want us to be ready with a champagne glass.

Scenic Perfection: San Diego

San Diego isn’t hosting a fireworks display this year- but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t a great place to spend the New Year’s Eve weekend. Soak in the scenery and come face-to-face with the bay’s gorgeous wildlife.